The Effect of Saffron (Crocus Sativus) on Oxymetholone-induced Hepatic and Renal Injury in Rats

Oxymetholone, an anabolic-androgenic steroid, has been used to treat some diseases. The abuse of this compound, especially for muscle growth, has severe oxidative side effects on the liver and kidneys. Oxidative stress and free radicals are responsible for the development of various diseases. Phytochemicals are sources of polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, etc. and may act as scavengers of free radicals. Saffron (Crocus sativus) has considerable antioxidant properties, which may be useful in reversing or preventing these negative effects.

To evaluate the effects of saffron on the liver and kidneys degenerative changes induced by oxymetholone, 24 male Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each as: a) sham (normal saline, 40 mg/kg/day), b) saffron control (40 mg/kg/day), c) oxymetholone (50 mg/rat), and d) treatment group [saffron (40 mg/kg/day)+oxymetholone (50 mg/rat)]. The course of examination was 30 days.

After one month, the sham and saffron control groups had normal histological findings. The treatment group with saffron showed a significant reduction in the hepatic and renal degenerative changes induced by oxymetholone compared to those observed in group.

Based on the histopathological results, the use of saffron produced protective effects against the degenerative changes in rats’ liver and kidneys induced by oxymetholone.